Best Motorcycle Routes in Southern California

Sunny weather is perfect for a fun ride on your motorcycle through beautiful Southern California. It’s that great appeal of the long ride, or the thrill of a short speed down your favorite road. However you like to ride when the riding is good, eventually you’ll need some new routes to spice things up. Southern California has tons of scenic routes with twisty turns for fun and breathtaking views to clear your head of the stuffiness of the everyday.

There’s no more classic American adventure than a blazing fast bike and a trail to follow. At Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County, we want to inspire our customers to hit the road and find adventure. Whether you’re going long and far or sticking to local loops, we’ve got a few Southern California routes to look at in this short guide. Read on for more information or head into our showroom in Westminster, California, near Santa Ana, Long Beach, and serving the greater Los Angeles area.

Idyllwild

A fun, curve-filled ride that fuels enjoyment so much that you might miss the wonderful scenery passing by. This route pulls into higher elevations, so it’s recommended mostly for warm-weather riding. Fortunately there’s no better time to ride! The destination town of Idyllwild is small and tucked into the mountains for some great views and small town charm. This is a route with purpose, taking you by palm trees in the desert and the dense woods of the mountains. With well-maintained roads clear of traffic, you’ll really be able to enjoy this purposeful ride!

Sunset to Pacific Coast Highway

You could name this ride “The Californian” for all the fame that rides with you. Start in the city, ride down the Sunset Strip past iconic landmarks, and then find freedom on the Pacific Coast Highway for a magical ride along the coast. Ride the highway along the coast to Santa Monica Pier. Try to make good time so you can catch a sunset over the water!

Ortega Highway

Ortega Highway is a twisting 30-mile ride through the Santa Ana Mountains. This is a must-experience ride from Lake Elsinore east toward San Juan Capistrano, or you can ride it the other way around! You’ll run into commuter traffic during the weekdays, so plan a weekend trip. There are plenty of places to pull off and enjoy the view of Lake Elsinore or grab a bite to eat at a cozy diner. There are also camping spots if you’re feeling like an overnight adventure. The route has a lot of tight turns and elevation changes, with speed limits typically at 55 mph, making for a solid combination of sweeping turns and twisties.

Big Bear

The beautiful San Bernardino Mountains and national forest are easy to access with the Big Bear route. Enjoy crisp mountain air and twisty roads with postcard-worthy vistas and a high-mountain feel without the hard work of a harrowing hike. The Big Bear area is famed as a ski resort during the winter, but during warmer months its sparse population makes for some great open roads. The roads are in good condition and usually clean. You’ll find lots of fun roadside diversions and plenty of food to fill up on as you explore Highway 38 and 18.

Southern California has beautiful freeways and backroads for motorcycle riders of all skill levels to enjoy. These aren’t all that’s out there, and the entire region of Southern California opens up to wonderful pacific trips and a gateway to the Great Plains (if you can get past the Rocky Mountains, that is!). For more tips on some great routes, or if you’re simply interested in checking out the best new and used motorcycles around, head to Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We’re located in Westminster, California, near Santa Ana, Long Beach, and serving the greater Los Angeles area. Come in today and let our team of courteous experts show you the true meaning of customer satisfaction!